Beachtech Adapter DX 4 vs. DX 8

RZ wrote on 12/16/2004, 12:06 PM

I am planning to buy Audiotechnica 101 A UHF microphone. It has an XLR output. I need an adapter to connect it to the minijack of my camcorder. Do I need DX 4 ( no built-in pre-amp) or the more expensive DX 8 9 with built-in pre-amp. The DX 8 is more expensive.Thanks

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 12/16/2004, 12:24 PM

With that particular mic, I'd recommend attentuation, but you can also attenuate at your camera. I really like the DX8, and use it often with my XL or GL cams

Catwell wrote on 12/16/2004, 12:27 PM

You will not need the phantom power for your AT U101 wireless system. It would be nice to have the limiting that is in the DXA 8 but it is not essential. The only remaining question is if the output level of the U101 is high enough to drive the DXA-4. The DXA 4 has no gain. It is a passive device that matches the balanced output of your U 101 receiver to the unbalance input of the camcorder. The AT u101 claims an output level of 31.6 millevolts into a 10 Kohm load. However the input impedance of the DXA-4 is only 200 ohms so your level will be reduced. It should work just fine but it may be noisier than DXA 8 because your camera gain may be higher.

Do you have manual audio controls on your camera? If you do you can get beetter sound from any external mic. If you rely on the camera AGC (automatic gain control) you will have more noise problems.